H1N1 Influenza Information

With the emerging threat of an H1N1 outbreak across the Country, York Region Public Health is tracking an increased amount of patients experiencing flu-like illness throughout our community. As a result, York Central Hospital’s Emergency Department continues to see a steady stream of patients with symptoms of influenza-like illnesses many of whom could be more appropriately cared for in doctor’s offices.

Community Flu Assessment Centres - currently closed due to lack of demand
As needed, York Region will open its Community Flu Assessment Centres. The purpose of these clinics is to provide assessment and appropriate treatment of patients experiencing light to moderate flu symptoms including prescription of Tamiflu as appropriate. Most people who get the flu will be able to manage their symptoms at home, but some people may need further assessment by a health care provider. Symptoms of the flu include the acute onset of fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) and a cough combined with a sore throat, muscle aches and/or joint pain and weakness.

If you have concerns about symptoms, you should contact your family physician or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents who do not have a family doctor or are unable to get an appointment can attend the Community Flu Assessment Centre when they are available. Please visit the York Region website at: http://www.york.ca/Departments/Health+Services/H1N1+-+Community+Flu+Assessment+Centres.htm to see if they have a clinic open.

We encourage you to reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu by practicing good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette (cough into your arm or sleeve), as well as by staying home when sick. Also consider getting a vaccination for your children. Young children between the ages of 6 months are in the high risk category for developing complications due to H1N1 illness.

Where can I get an H1N1 Vaccination?

Please be aware that the Hospital will NOT be providing H1N1 vaccinations to the community. York Region Public Health has set up a number of clinics in order to provide vaccinations to community members. For information on where these clinics are located, please click here or contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1)

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever, chills
• Muscle and joint pains
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Eye pain

The Province of Ontario’ Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has lots of good information on self-assessment, clinics in your area and what to do in the event you think you or a loved one has H1N1 and requires treatment. Please visit their website by clicking here. (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ccom/flu/)

Where should I seek medical care?

Please do not come to the Emergency Department if you are experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. You are advised to make an appointment with your family doctor as soon as possible or visit a walk-in clinic. If your condition worsens and you require immediate care, please seek medical attention immediately. Patients coming to the Emergency Department will be limited to having one support person accompany them. At times, it may be necessary to separate patients from their support person to help prevent the spread of infection. In cases of a child with influenza-like illness, one parent will be permitted to accompany their child at all times.

What do I do if I have a medical appointment at the Hospital?

If you have a medical appointment at the hospital AND are not feeling well, please call ahead for further instructions or to re-book your appointment if possible. If you need to come to our Emergency Department or any of our clinics for treatment, please note that you may be asked to wear a mask during your visit.

General H1N1 Influenza Hotline

In order to keep our community informed, York Central Hospital has set up a pre-recorded Influenza A (H1N1) Hotline that the community can call to receive regular updates on H1N1. As new information becomes available, it will be updated on this site and recorded on York Central Hospital’s H1N1 Information hotline at 905-883-1212, extension 3021.

To speak directly to someone regarding H1N1 please contact TeleHealth Ontario at: 1-866-797-0000 TTY : 1-866-797-0007

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse. That means quick, easy access to a qualified health professional, who can assess your symptoms and help you decide your best first step. We can help you decide whether to care for yourself, make an appointment with your doctor, go to a clinic, contact a community service or go to a hospital emergency room.

For updates from York Region Public Health, please contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or visit their website: www.york.ca.

Visitors
At this time, York Central Hospital’s Visiting Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and these hours will be strictly enforced. Additional restrictions have been put in place on some units, including Birthing and Paediatric Units Should incidence of H1N1 continue to increase and affect the daily operations of the Hospital, York Central Hospital may be forced to restrict visitor access to the Hospital.

Visitors are expected to self-screen upon coming to the hospital and must practise proper hand hygiene by cleaning their hands with the alcohol hand foam provided upon entering and exiting the hospital, and before entering or exiting a patient room. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Help Prevent the Spread

As a reminder, you can help prevent the spread of the flu by following a few simple infection control practices, such as:

• Good hand hygiene by washing your hands well and often
• Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve
• Stay at home and limit contact with others when you are ill.

For Information on pregnant women and H1N1 click here: http://www.sogc.org/h1n1/FINALH1N1%20tearsheet_sept29.pdf